✨ Knoxville’s glowing and so are its rising stars

Thanksgiving seats may be impossible to get now, but Volunteer Princess is still serving up the good stuff!

Santa’s cookie cruise turns the upper deck into a sugar-dusted workshop, and the early New Year’s Eve dinner leans into comfort classics and celebratory sips.

From slow-roasted mains to sweet finishes, everything tastes a little better with Knoxville’s skyline glowing off the water.

Knox Fantasy Lights makes your home look its best before the in-laws arrive: with warm, glowy charm and zero hassle.

• Rooflines, trees, and walkways, all custom lit
• No cords to wrestle or ladders to climb
• Install, takedown, and storage included

Earthbound Trading Co. always hits like a warm swirl of incense and color, the kind of place where you wander in for “just a minute” and suddenly you’re holding a carved trinket for your aunt and a candle you absolutely weren’t planning on buying.

This week feels like the sweet spot, the perfect time to get something to help the Thanksgiving table glow, yet it's not too early to stash a quirky gift for December.

The staff keeps the vibe easy, and there’s always some small delight tucked between the crystals and tapestries waiting to go home with you.

The Gist: Zoo Knoxville is debuting Smoky Night Lights, a 360 degree light and music show that turns the Timber Loop into a natural amphitheater filled with color, sound, and the changing seasons of the Smokies. Created with Moment Factory, the experience features Appalachian inspired vocals, storytelling, seasonal treats, and cozy fireside spots. Shows begin at dusk and last about 45 minutes, with timed tickets required.

Why It Matters: It gives locals and winter visitors a fresh, after dark way to enjoy the zoo and the beauty of East Tennessee. The show runs through March 2026. Tickets start at $29.95 on the zoo’s website.

The Gist: Two Gatlinburg Pittman High students, Madi White and Maynor Betanco, earned spots in this year’s East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition. Their pieces were chosen from more than 700 entries, a testament to the strong art programs across our region. Both works are now on display at the Knoxville Museum of Art through January 14.

Why It Matters: It is a proud moment for the community to see local students showcased in a professional museum setting. The exhibit is open with free admission and parking.

Meet Tippy, an adorable Chihuahua mix weighing 11 pounds!

This sweet tan girl with white-tipped paws loves toys, belly rubs, and playful zoomies. While initially shy, she's blossomed in foster care and gets along wonderfully with other dogs.

Tippy needs an active adult home with children over 12, a fenced yard, and someone home part-time to continue her house training progress. Located in East Tennessee with a $175 adoption fee.

To learn more about this beautiful girl...